The move gives new momentum to the measure, which is taking its third trip through the Legislature. Lawmakers approved a texting-while-driving ban in 2011, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Rick Perry. A similar bill did not make it out of committee last legislative session.

This year, supporters have expressed optimism about House Bill 80’s chances under Gov. Greg Abbott but became nervous after the measure languished in the Senate for a month after being approved overwhelmingly in March by the House.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who runs the upper chamber, has opposed past efforts and called the 2011 bill an example of “nanny state intrusion on our lives.”

On Monday, Patrick spokesman Alejandro Garcia said the lieutenant governor “will listen to the members of the Senate on this issue, as he always does on all issues.”

Even if the bill clears the Senate, it is no sure bet to be signed by Abbott.

The governor said last summer on the campaign trail that he would not support a texting-while-driving ban, with a spokesman describing it as “micromanaging adult driving behavior.”

More recently, Abbott has not divulged his position on the House Bill 80, which would allow drivers to text at red lights or in traffic and would prohibit police officers from taking a driver’s phone during a stop to check the message history.

Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, a sponsor of House Bill 80, told the Houston Chronicle last month that Abbott’s office has been active in forming the bill, giving him optimism the governor might sign a ban.